Shared Student Shopping System Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Shared Student Shopping System - Assignment Example This shall ensure students utilise the system significantly once it becomes operational. PACT analysis People The system targets students living in shared accommodation. Shopping malls and supermarkets shall adopt the system through which grocery orders shall be received from students. The system shall be available online, and accessible from computers as well as other devices with internet connection like mobile phones. Availability of the system online would attract a surmountable number of students into using the system. Majority of these students own, and have access to these devices. The students shall be able to order through an online system from devices of their choice. This immensely simplifies the shopping experience as individuals can choose favourite devices to use. Since students extensively use the internet, accessing this system shall become part of their routine. Individual differences of people shall be catered for through the freedom to access the system using devic es of one’s choice. Majority of the targeted population can efficiently operate computers and mobile phone. These people also possess enough knowledge of the internet. The individuals, therefore, shall not require familiarisation training before using the system. The system provides guidelines for users to interface with the program controlling the system. With the system utilising commonly used devices, motivation for individuals to utilise the shopping system shall increase significantly. Activities The activities to be undertaken by the system revolve around purchasing grocery. The system contains a list of grocery items commonly used in households. Offering a list to choose from reduces the chances of forgetting an item when purchasing. A person may also remember a required item appearing on the system list. The system allows individuals to search for availability of required groceries. The supermarket database indicates the remaining amounts of stock. This allows buyers to order for available groceries only. Following every order received the system records that a purchased stock is needed. When the order becomes complete, the system produces a virtual list of all items requested. Against each item an indication of availability appears. The buyer could effectively erase items not available while retaining the ones available. At this stage the buyer gets an opportunity to review items requested. Upon reviewing, additions or subtractions of items could be performed. If no amendments required the system requests the buyer to confirm order. The order then is sent, via the internet, to the relevant grocery store awaiting delivery. These activities reduce the time taken to travel to grocery stores, and energy for carrying the groceries to the residence. Context The context of this system lies in establishing a reliable online shopping system. The congestion of people within supermarkets and other grocery stores necessitates a different approach towards g rocery purchasing. There appears to be an increasing need to change the shopping habits of individuals aimed at reducing the congestion. This system allows individuals to make grocery orders at the comfort of their residence. The activity may also be carried out in remote locations outside residences. The ability to undertake these activities without physical presence at shopping malls simplifies shopping

Microeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Microeconomics - Essay Example In fact although not recognized back then the effects of globalization in its nascent stages was also leading to uncomfortably unprecedented changes in the economy in nations that were within the reach of integration and these effects also led to the need being felt for some sort of control (Salvatore, 2001). All these culminated to the creation of the system at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire where 730 delegates from all 44 allied nations had come to participate in the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference and they debated upon and signed the Bretton Woods agreement during the course of the initial three weeks in the month of July, 1944. The objective of the present endeavour is to bring out the rationale behind the creation of the system and to look at its various performances and then to finally examine the causes behind its breaking down as a system. In what follows, we first look at economic and political conditions the prevalence of which c reated the need for such a system to explore the rationale. We then look at the significant contributions and failures of the system and finally concluding with pointing out the main causes that led to a break down in the Bretton woods system. In the post First World War period most of the affected economies sought the security and the stability provided by the previous system referred to as the Gold standard and by 1926, most of them returned to it. However sub-optimal valuations of a significant number of currencies coupled with a seriously hurt and still recovering England having to assume leadership as well as certain other flaws in adoption of the system led to degradations in global economic relations and financial interactions. This drop hit its trough with the great depression that spread through open channels of trade from its origin of Great Britain to all the major economies of the World. As a direct consequence economies the world over saw

Advertising Analysis: PETA’s Campaigns

Advertising Analysis: PETA’s Campaigns Assignment 1 Organisational Communications. This essay critically explores and evaluates the nature of PETAs (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) advertising communications, concentrating mainly on one of the major criticisms that PETA uses numerous sexual images of women that perpetuate female objectification. Through a close examination of the campaign: Go Vegetarian, this essay will assess PETAs campaigns involving the sexualisation of womens bodies from a feminist perspective. In the process, the essay will demonstrate an understanding of a range of communications, theories and concepts for the idea that PETA relies on sexism to advance animal issues, and capture the attention of the viewer. The essay begins by using a feminist analysis to explore the theory of viral marketing in one of PETAs recent advertisements. This section will analyse how the use of viral marketing has created a direct approach from business to consumer allowing consumers to promote the service themselves (Smith, Coyle, Lightfoot, Scott, 20 07). The main focus here is the irony of how an organization which emphasises a social justice agenda, has subjected another social justice cause. It then reviews the contrasting approach of how PETA invokes, to some extent, a new wave of social change where women are escaping the oppression of patriarchy and having a strong sense of empowerment. This part of the essay will take on a semiotic approach to show how codes and context are central in producing meaning (Barthes, 1977). In exploring these issues, the essay endorses a broadly feminist standpoint on gender, although it also seeks to highlight a number of potential justifications and opposing arguments, it particulary focuses on the notion that PETA commodifies and exploits womens bodies to sell animal rights. PETA is famously known for its flirtatious nudity in advertising to get their message of anti-animal cruelty across. Their creative but controversial advertising communications has caused a string of negative debates over the years which have become an integral part of their brand. Recently, PETA took a stab at viral advertising and produced a shocking Super Bowl advertisement called Veggie Love, which NBC rejected due to its provocative nature. This ad shows lingerie models seductively froilicking with vegetables with a tagline saying Studies show Vegetarians have better sex. Superbowl commercials are viewed by millions including children which PETA failed to take into consideration. Although this ad is explicit with the discursive message it is trying to convey, it relies on the theme of sex to promote and sell vegetarianism. It can be said that the women in this short 30-second-clip are objectified and subjected to the male gaze. Mulvey (1975) suggests women are simultaneously looked at and displayed, with their appearance coded for strong visual and erotic impact so that they can be said to connote to-be-looked-at-ness. Although the ad is conveying a strong message that eating meat is wrong, it is clear that women are presented as sexual objects of male fantasy and desire. However, there is no clear suggestion that PETA aims their advertising communications specifically to the male audience. Female viewers are also compelled to take the viewpoint of the central character (male), participating also in the pleasure of men looking at women (Mulvey, 1975). The exploitation that animals undergo at the hands of humans makes this advertisement seem inappropriate and unjust. It can be said that the use of sexualized images of women is forgetting the horrific treatment that animals incur and that the true message of oppression has been forgotten and replaced to create a buzz about advertising strategies. Ironically, it can be said that PETAs banned viral campaign worked mostly to their advantage. Viral marketing is used to encourage consumers or individuals to pass on a message to others, creating the potential for expansion in the messages exposure and influence (Rushkoff, 1994). It can be said that audiences better receive viral marketing than traditional third party marketing because it is an implied approval from a friend. Due to the fact that viral marketing is highly dependent of consumers passing on a message, marketers are now even more concerned in creating a campaign that is controversial or unethical (Kilby, 2005). For the marketing strategy to work, a buzz has to be created from consumer-to-consumer. This PETA advertisement is of a provocative nature to initiate the ripple effect which ultimately benefits the organization and its stakeholders. Minus the negative criticism around the campaign, whether planned or unplanned, PETAs viral marketing strategy is a positive one i n terms of the publicity it received. The fact that the advertisement was banned from television but can still be seen in the social sphere of the internet creates more of a buzz about PETA as an organization whilst allowing them to promote at a low cost. Consequently, looking at both standpoints, PETA has used its advertising communications here in a strategic way however, this advertisement does not benefit in highlighting the true cause. On the other hand, although it can be said that PETA uses its advertising communications to put across a positive message whilst simultaneously exploiting women, there is one less controversial advertisement in particular that can be viewed as a paradox to the viral advertisement and many other PETA campaigns. The We can do it campaign, taken and adjusted from the 1940s advertisement for the Westinghouse Company, by J. Howard Miller, draws the idea of female liberation and empowerment. This advertisement highlights the Vegetarianism campaign. This advertisement shows a young, attractive woman, Playboy model Laura Anderson, posing with a Popeye stance, wearing a red and white polka dot headband and a blue denim cropped shirt. Her eyes are directed straight into the camera lens and her mouth is agape. Her lips are red and her stomach is exposed. Directly above everything is the written text: We can do it. The ad is clearly an adaptation of Millers painting famously associated with cultural icon of the United Status, Rosie the Riveter. Rosie the Riveter represented the American woman that worked in the factories during World War II and we can see that the 30s and 40s era is still fairly suggestive in this PETA adveritsement. During this period of time, women were considered submissive to men and were required to stay at home and fend for the family while the male acts as the breadwinner. Polka dot headbands are old fashioned, reminiscient of a housewife or working wom an. The woman and the key signifiers connotate female liberation, escaping the supression of patriarchy and taking on the female empowerment agenda. The confident stance is similar to how a male would pose and the fact that this is a woman creates the idea that women are somewhat equal to men. The elements can connate the strong independent woman who stands for what she thinks is right, in this case, becoming a vegetarian. Only a few visual aspects of this advertisement have been altered from the original. The fact that the womans shirt is cropped in the PETA ad still creates the element of objectification. It can be said that the woman in the PETA advertisement has been sexed up and is subject to the male gaze. This advertisement is complex and witty in a way that it presents female liberation creating the illusion or war on the meat industry however spoofs it at the same time. Although the woman is clearly representing a sense of freedom, the red lipstick, red polka dot headband a nd the cropped shirt connotates a sense of seduction and sexuality. The fact that PETA chose a Playboy model also to represent their organization can also be questioned

Mt. Ashland Ski Area Expansion Essay -- Environmental Issues

It’s a sunny October afternoon and I’m listening to the breeze gently rustle the tree tops above me. I look down into the creek as I sit here munching on some cashews, and I see trout gliding effortlessly through the crystal-clear water. I revel in how incredibly lush the area is†¦although it’s been a dry summer the ground is still moist, plants are bright and colorful, and wildlife is abound. After I finish my snack and tuck my trash away into my backpack, I continue my hike up this parcel of land that may soon become barren with towers of steel and wire draping the landscape†¦that’s if the Mt. Ashland Association (MAA), a non-profit organization that operates the Mt. Ashland ski area, gets their way. The MAA is looking to start a planned expansion of the area in late 2012. They plan to clear cut 70+ acres of old growth to pave way for more advanced slopes and a sparkly-new lodge. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ski area expansions are the most ecological damaging task that an area can undertake. In a plan revision for the White River National Forest in Colorado, regarding the Copper Mountain Ski Resort expansion, the EPA hammers that point home when they say that â€Å"†¦no other land management prescription on the Forest directly results in more stream-water depletion, wetland impacts, air pollution, permanent vegetation change, or permanent habitat loss†¦ more wetland impacts and stream depletions resulted from ski area expansion and improvement than from all other Forest management activities combined, including many direct and indirect impacts that are permanent (irreversible and irretrievable).† Meanwhile, skier numbers nationally have only increased just two percent since 1978 says, (source). Whic... ...'D' On Environmental Scorecard." Ashland Daily Tidings [Ashland, OR], 26 Nov. 2008, n. pag. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. "Saving the Pacific Fisher." Center for Biological Diversity. Center for Biological Diversity., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. United States. Dept. of Agriculture. Tenmile Recreation Path Environmental Assessment. [Summit County, Colorado.:] U.S. Forest Service, Dillion Ranger District [2011] Web. 24 Feb. 2012. Wright, Bruce. "A Question of Balance." Ashland Resource Center [Ashland, OR], 7 Sept. 2011, n. pag. Web. 24 Feb. 2012.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Essay

Financial support is a commonly agreed issue for human service organizations. Programs offered to the target population can be costly and knowing where to seek funding is a must. The XYZ Company is a nonprofit making agency integrated in section 501c3 of the United States Internal Revenue Code. This organization provides consumers in El Paso County, Texas who are in great requirement of psychiatric counseling. While studying government help plans, the Executive Director recognized three specific plans that are applicable to the development and the growing need for services. With adding a satellite office, more funding is needed. Three identified programs are: Based on the information provided in Appendix A, regarding the XYZ Corporation, the type of assistance that will prove to be the most valuable is ARRA – Grants to Health Center Programs. The program’s objectives are to increase the number of uninsured and underserved individuals access to primary and preventive healthcare. Enable existing centers to increase services, assist centers with capital improvement projects an assist with facility improvements are also objectives. Eligibility requirements are for new centers, both private and public that are non-profit entities and where the population groups are in medically underserved areas and for currently funded health care centers. The types of assistance are available through project grants. The dollar range awarded is based on two years and varies depending on specific opportunities. The average amount of assistance that may be rewarded depends on various intended purposes. For example, an existing center that has an increase in demands has the potential to be rewarded monies from $500,000 to $1.3 million, and a facility seeking improvement awards may be granted monies ranging from $800,000 to $12,000,000. This specific program can be utilized by the XYZ Corporation due to the fact they are an existing center that has an increase in demands and that is why they opened a satellite office in 2003. References Department of Health and Human Services. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Retrieved from https://www.cfda.gov/index?s=main&mode=list&tab=list&tabmode=list Department of Health and Human Services. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Retrieved from https://www.cfda.gov/index?s=program&mode=form&tab=step1&id=8f4f4cfc4d7732471c526614cf2a2873

Biography of Black Bart Roberts, Successful Pirate

Bartholomew Black Bart Roberts (1682–Feb. 10, 1722) was a Welsh pirate and the most successful buccaneer of the so-called Golden Age of Piracy, capturing and looting more ships than contemporaries such as Blackbeard, Edward Low, Jack Rackham, and Francis Spriggs combined. At the height of his power, he had a fleet of four ships and hundreds of pirates to go with his organizational skills, charisma, and daring. He was killed in action by pirate hunters off the African coast in 1722. Fast Facts: Bartholomew Roberts Famous For: Highly successful pirateAlso Known As: Black Bart, JohnBorn: 1682 near  Haverfordwest, WalesDied: Feb. 10, 1722 off the Guinea coast Early Life Little is known of Roberts early life, other than that he was born near  Haverfordwest, Wales in 1682 and his real first name was possibly John. He took to sea at a young age, proving himself a competent sailor, as by 1719 he was second mate on the slave ship Princess. The Princess went to Anomabu, in present-day Ghana, to pick up slaves in mid-1719. That June, the Princess was captured by Welsh pirate Howell Davis, who forced several crew members, including Roberts, to join his band. Only six weeks after Black Bart was forced to join the crew, Davis was killed. The crew took a vote, and Roberts was named the new captain. Although he was a reluctant pirate, Roberts embraced the role of captain. According to contemporary historian Capt. Charles Johnson (who might have been Daniel Defoe), Roberts felt that if he must be a pirate, it was better being a commander than a common man. His first act was to attack the town where Davis had been killed in order to avenge his former captain. Rich Haul Roberts and his crew headed for the coast of South America to look for booty. After several weeks they found a treasure fleet bound for Portugal getting ready in All Saints Bay off northern Brazil. Waiting nearby were 42 ships and their escorts, two massive men-of-war with 70 guns each. Roberts sailed into the bay as if he were part of the convoy and took one of the ships without anyone noticing. He had the ships master point out the richest ship at anchor, then sailed up and attacked. Roberts captured the ship and both vessels sailed away; the escort ships couldnt catch them. Double-Crossed Soon after, while Roberts was chasing another prize, some of his men, led by Walter Kennedy, made off with the treasure ship and most of the loot. Roberts was infuriated. The remaining pirates devised a set of articles and made newcomers swear to them. They included payments for those injured in battle and punishments for those who stole, deserted, or committed other crimes. The articles excluded Irishmen from becoming full members of the crew, most likely because of Kennedy, who was Irish. Overwhelming Ships Roberts quickly added weapons and men to reach his former strength. When authorities in Barbados learned that he was nearby, they outfitted two pirate hunter ships to bring him in. Roberts saw one of the ships and, not knowing it was a heavily armed pirate-hunter, tried to take it. The other ship opened fire and Roberts was forced to flee. After that, Roberts was always harsh to captured ships from Barbados. Roberts and his men made their way north to Newfoundland in June 1720 and found 22 ships in the harbor. The crews and townspeople fled at the sight of the pirates flag. Roberts and his men looted the ships, destroying and sinking all but one, which they commandeered. They then sailed out to the banks, finding several French ships and keeping one. With this small fleet, Roberts and his men captured many more prizes in the area that summer. They then returned to the Caribbean, where they captured dozens of vessels. They changed ships often, selecting the best vessels and outfitting them for piracy. Roberts flagship was usually renamed  Royal Fortune, and he would often have fleets of three or four ships. He began calling himself the Admiral of the Leeward Islands. He was sought out by two ships of would-be pirates looking for pointers; he gave them advice, ammunition, and weapons. Roberts Flags Four flags are associated with Roberts. According to Johnson, when Roberts sailed to Africa, he had a black flag bearing a skeleton, representing death, that held an hourglass in one hand and crossbones in the other. Nearby were a spear and three drops of blood. Another Roberts flag  also was black, with a white figure, representing Roberts, holding a flaming sword and standing on two skulls. Beneath them was written ABH and AMH, standing for A Barbadian Head and A Martinicos Head. Roberts hated the governors of Barbados and Martinique for sending  pirate hunters  after him and was always cruel to ships from either place. When Roberts was killed, according to Johnson, his flag featured a skeleton and a man with a flaming sword, signifying defiance of death. The flag most commonly associated with Roberts  was black and displayed a pirate and a skeleton holding an hourglass between them. Deserters Roberts often faced discipline problems. In early 1721, Roberts killed one crew member in a brawl and was attacked later by one of that mans friends. This caused a division among the already disgruntled crew. One faction wanted out, convincing the captain of one of Roberts ships, Thomas Anstis, to desert Roberts. They did, setting out on their own in April 1721. Anstis proved to be an unsuccessful pirate. Meanwhile, the Caribbean had become too dangerous for Roberts, who headed for Africa. Africa Roberts neared Senegal in June 1721  and began raiding shipping along the coast. He anchored at Sierra Leone, where he heard that two Royal Navy ships, the  Swallow  and the  Weymouth, had been in the area but had left a month before. They took the  Onslow, a massive frigate, renamed her the  Royal Fortune,  and mounted 40 cannons. With a fleet of four ships and at the height of his strength, he could attack anyone with impunity. For the next few months, Roberts took dozens of prizes. Each pirate began amassing a small fortune. Cruelty In January 1722, Roberts showed his cruelty. He was sailing off Whydah, a well-known slaving area, and found a  slave ship, the  Porcupine, at anchor. The captain was ashore. Roberts took the ship and demanded a ransom from the captain, who refused to deal with pirates. Roberts ordered the Porcupine burned, but his men didnt release the slaves on board. Johnson describes the slaves miserable choice of perishing by fire or water, writing that those who jumped overboard were seized by sharks and tore limb from limb alive ... A cruelty unparalelld! Beginning of the End In February 1722, Roberts was repairing his ship when a large vessel approached. It turned to flee, so Roberts sent his consort vessel, the  Great Ranger, to capture it. The other ship was actually the  Swallow, a large man-of-war that had been looking for them under the command of Capt. Challoner Ogle. Once they were out of Roberts sight, the Swallow  turned and attacked the  Great Ranger. After a two-hour battle, the  Great Ranger  was crippled and her remaining crew surrendered. Ogle sent the  Great Ranger  limping away with the pirates in chains and went back for Roberts. Final Battle The  Swallow  returned on Feb. 10 to find the  Royal Fortune  still at anchor. Two other ships were there: a tender to the  Royal Fortune  and a trading vessel, the  Neptune. One of Roberts men had served on the  Swallow  and recognized it. Some men wanted to flee, but Roberts decided to fight. They sailed out to meet the  Swallow. Roberts was killed in the first broadside as grapeshot fired from one of the  Swallows cannons tore out his throat. Obeying his standing order, his men threw his body overboard. Without Roberts, the pirates lost heart and within an hour they surrendered. One hundred and fifty-two pirates were arrested. The  Neptune  had vanished, but not before looting the abandoned smaller  pirate ship. Ogle set sail for Cape Coast Castle on Africas west coast. A trial was held at  Cape Coast Castle. Of the 152 pirates, 52 Africans were sold back into slavery, 54 were hanged, and 37 were sentenced to serve as indentured servants and sent to the West Indies. Those who could prove they had been forced to join the crew against their will were acquitted. Legacy Black Bart Roberts was the greatest pirate of his generation: it is estimated that he took 400 ships during his three-year career. He isnt as famous as some contemporaries, such as Blackbeard,  Stede Bonnet,  or  Charles Vane, but he was a much better pirate. His nickname seems to have come from his dark hair and complexion instead of a cruel nature, although he could be as ruthless as any contemporary. Roberts owed his success to many factors, including his charisma and leadership, his daring and ruthlessness, and his ability to coordinate small fleets to maximum effect. Wherever he was, commerce came to a halt; fear of him and his men made merchants stay in port. Roberts is a favorite of true pirate buffs. He was mentioned in  Robert Louis Stevensons Treasure Island. Iin the movie The Princess Bride, the name Dread Pirate Roberts refers to him. He often appears in pirate video games and has been the subject of novels, histories, and movies. Sources Cordingly, David. .Under the Black Flag  Random House, 1996.Johnson, Capt. Charles (Defoe, Daniel?). A General History of the Pyrates. Dover Publications, 1972/1999.Konstam, Angus.  The World Atlas of Pirates.  Lyons Press, 2009.Bartholomew Roberts: Welsh Pirate. Encyclopedia Brittanica.

The History of Fathers Day

Fathers Day is held on the third Sunday in June to celebrate and honor fathers.  And while the first Mothers Day was celebrated in 1914 after President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation making Mothers Day the second Sunday in May,  Fathers Day did not become official until 1966.   The Story of Fathers Day Who invented Fathers Day? While there are at least two or three different people credited with that honor, most historians consider Sonora Smart Dodd  of Washington State to be the first person to have proposed the holiday in 1910. Dodds father was a Civil War veteran named William Smart. Her mother died giving birth to her sixth child, which left William Smart a widower with five children to raise on his own. When Sonora Dodd married and had her own children, she realized what a tremendous job her father had done in raising her and her siblings as a single parent. After hearing her pastor give a sermon about the newly established Mothers Day, Sonora Dodd suggested to him that there should also be a Fathers Day and proposed that the date be June 5, her fathers birthday. However, her pastor needed more time to prepare a sermon, so he moved the date to June 19, the third Sunday of the month. Fathers Day Traditions One of the early ways established to celebrate Fathers Day was to wear a flower. Sonora Dodd suggested wearing a red rose if your father was still living  and wearing a white flower if your father was deceased. Later, presenting him with a special activity, gift, or a card became commonplace. Dodd spent years campaigning for Fathers Day to be celebrated nationally. She commissioned the help of mens goods manufacturers and others who might benefit from a Fathers Day, such as the makers of ties, tobacco pipes, and other products that would make for a suitable gift for fathers. In 1938, a Fathers Day Council was founded by the New York Associated Mens Wear Retailers to help with the widespread promotion of Fathers Day. Still, the public continued to resist the idea. Many Americans believed an official Fathers Day would be just another way for retailers to make money since the popularity of Mothers Day boosted the sale of gifts for mothers. Making Fathers Day Official As early as 1913, bills had been submitted to congress to recognize Fathers Day nationally. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson pushed to make Fathers Day official, but couldnt muster enough support from Congress. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge  would also recommend that Fathers Day be observed, but did not go so far as to issue a national proclamation. In 1957, Margaret Chase Smith, a senator from Maine, wrote a proposal that accused Congress of ignoring fathers for 40 years while only honoring mothers. It wasnt until 1966 that  President Lyndon Johnson  finally signed a presidential proclamation that made the third Sunday of June, Fathers Day. In 1972, President Richard Nixon made Fathers Day a permanent national holiday. What  Gifts Fathers Want Forget about snazzy ties, cologne, or car parts. What fathers really want is family time. According to a Fox News report, About 87 percent of dads would rather have dinner with the family. Most fathers dont want another tie, as 65 percent said they would rather get nothing than another tie. And before you go running out to buy mens cologne, only 18 percent of dads said they want some kind of personal care product. And only 14 percent said they want automotive accessories.